University of Otago

What you'll study

The Master of Planning combines theoretical, technical and applied learning to equip students for contemporary planning challenges. Core study areas typically include planning theory and history, planning law and statute interpretation, resource and environmental management, urban and regional development, and Māori and indigenous planning frameworks.

Students also gain technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, stakeholder engagement and planning methods and practice. Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, studio projects and supervised research. Assessment commonly involves policy reports, project work, spatial analyses, oral presentations and a substantial research dissertation or applied planning project.

• Policy and governance: planning policy development, statutory instruments and implementation.
• Environmental and resource management: assessment of environmental effects, sustainability and resource consenting processes.
• Urban and regional planning: land-use planning, growth management and regional development strategies.
• Indigenous planning: Māori planning perspectives, Treaty of Waitangi considerations and partnership approaches.
• Technical skills: GIS, spatial data analysis, modelling and participatory planning techniques.
• Research and practice: methods in planning research and a thesis or applied project focused on a practical planning problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, typically in planning, geography, environmental science, architecture, engineering, law or a related discipline. A good academic record at undergraduate level is normally required; applicants with substantial professional planning experience may also be considered.

Where English is not the applicant’s first language, an approved English-language qualification or test score is required. Applicants for the research pathway must submit a proposal outlining their intended dissertation or project and may need to identify a proposed supervisor within the School.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Planning pursue careers across the public, private and community sectors. Common roles include:

• Policy analyst and planner in local and regional councils
• Resource management and consenting advisor
• Urban or transport planner in consultancy practices
• Planner or advisor for iwi, hapū and other indigenous organisations
• Environmental planner and sustainability consultant
• Researcher or academic in planning and urban studies

The programme’s balance of theory, law, technical skills and applied project work prepares graduates for both professional practice and further research or study.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago offers a strong interdisciplinary environment with expertise in planning, geography and environmental studies, allowing students to engage with contemporary New Zealand planning issues from multiple perspectives. The programme emphasises the local legal and cultural context, including engagement with Māori planning approaches, while building internationally transferable skills in GIS, policy analysis and project design.

Students benefit from close supervision, project-based learning, and opportunities to connect with local government, iwi organisations and planning practitioners. The University’s research culture and resources support both applied projects and more substantial research theses, making the Master of Planning a solid foundation for a professional planning career or further postgraduate study.